NCJ Number
94977
Date Published
1984
Length
413 pages
Annotation
This comprehensive text provides basic information on arson and arsonists, steps involved in an arson investigation, specialized skills needed by arson investigators, and promising preventive and investigative strategies for the future.
Abstract
Introductory chapters present data on the extent of arson to document the seriousness of the problem, profile typical arsonists, and examine jurisdictional problems, since several agencies often are responsible for investigating arson. Legal aspects of the arson investigation are reviewed, with attention to what elements must be proven if a case is to be prosecuted successfully. The text's second section details the phases of an arson investigation, including establishing the fire's point of origin and cause, evidence to be searched for at the scene, and common motives for arson. It concludes with an overview of motor vehicle arson that covers legal aspects, causes, motives, and investigative methods. The text then addresses specific skills involved in an arson investigation: photographing the scene and the evidence, sketching the scene, searching systematically, and collecting evidence legally. It also discusses developing suspects for the crime and making legal arrests, interviewing witnesses and interrogating suspects, taking notes and writing reports, and preparing for and presenting the case in court. The final two chapters focus on preventing arson through community commitment and involvement and ways to improve arson investigations. The text uses photographs, diagrams, figures, and tables to amplify key concepts and summarizes especially important data. Discussion questions and references accompany each chapter. Information on fire investigation recordkeeping procedures is appended, along with an index.